Modified Uvuloplasty for Achieving Aesthetically Desired Uvula in Cleft Palate Repair.

Background: Uvula is a delicate structure in comparison with the rest of the palate. During cleft palate repair, surgeons may find it challenging to suture both the hemi-uvulae meticulously with conventional repair technique and achieve satisfactory aesthetic results. We have adopted few surgical steps in conventional uvular repair to make this procedure simpler and more effective in terms of aesthetic outcome.
Methods: From 2016 to 2019, 386 patients underwent primary palatoplasty in our centre. Their uvula was repaired with conventional technique with having those modifications. Out of 386, 211 patients were followed for the 6 months postoperatively.
Results: The uvular appearance was satisfactory in 82% of the cases. Undesired appearances of uvula were noted as deviated, bifid and small in 1%, 7% and 10% of cases, respectively. In none of the cases, complete dehiscence of the uvula was seen.
Conclusion: The authors advocate simple modifications in conventional uvuloplasty to improve uvular aesthetics. This modified uvuloplasty is easy to practice and very promising in achieving an aesthetically desired uvula in cleft palate surgery.
Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest.
(© The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2020.)